Ah, but Nina -- you do not need to be an IBCLC to join ILCA. Our only requirement is that you concur with our mission and vision, which is inclusive of mother-to-mother counselling: "The International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) is the professional association for International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) and other health care professionals who care for breastfeeding families. Our vision is a worldwide network of lactation professionals. Our mission is to advance the profession of lactation consulting worldwide through leadership, advocacy, professional development, and research." My aside was meant to be a cheeky reminder that, as a sitting member of the ILCA Board (which I also mentioned in the same post), I am a shameless booster for ILCA. I find the networking, access to research and clinical training, and leadership development invaluable to my own professional growth as an IBCLC. People can certainly elect *not* to join my professional association, for any number of reasons. -- Liz Brooks JD IBCLC FILCA (ILCA Secy 2005-2011) Wyndmoor, PA, USA *********************************************** Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html To reach list owners: [log in to unmask] Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask] COMMANDS: 1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail 2. To start it again: set lactnet mail 3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet 4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome